ASTM E2688-10

Building products made with tapes are often used for applications for which Test Method E84 is used for compliance with building, life safety code or mechanical code requirements. This practice describes, in detail, specimen mounting procedures for those tapes which are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test.

Codes are often silent with regard to testing tapes for the assessment of flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and products.

The material shall be representative of the materials used in actual field installations.

The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84.

1.1 This practice describes a procedure for specimen preparation and mounting when testing tapes up to and including 8 in. (203.2 mm) widths to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. Tapes in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) are to be tested in full coverage as applied to fiber cement board as described in Test Method E84.

1.2 This practice applies to tapes intended for various uses within buildings. The tapes addressed in this practice are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test.

1.3 Testing is conducted in accordance with Test Method E84.

1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.

1.5 This practice does not apply to materials for which the test specimen does not remain in place before and during the test until maximum flame propagation has occurred.

1.6 This practice is not for system evaluation. It is for the comparison of the materials only.

1.7 The results obtained by using this mounting procedure are confined to the materials themselves as tested and are not comparable to materials that are tested in a full tunnel width application.

1.8 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard, in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see for further details.

1.9 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.

1.10 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

1.11 This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 9.

1.12 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard.

1.13 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.